OpenClaw on Chromebook: Run AI Agent via ChromeOS Linux 2026

February 25, 2026 11 min read Chromebook Tutorial OpenClaw

About This Guide: This is the first comprehensive tutorial for installing OpenClaw on a Chromebook in 2026. We use ChromeOS's built-in Linux environment (Crostini/Debian) to install Node.js 22 and run OpenClaw natively. No developer mode required. Works on any Chromebook released after 2019 that supports Linux apps.

Can You Really Run OpenClaw on a Chromebook?

Absolutely — and it's easier than you might think. Since 2018, ChromeOS has shipped with a built-in Linux environment called Crostini, which runs a full Debian Linux container alongside Chrome. You get access to a real terminal, apt package manager, and the ability to run any Linux application — including Node.js and OpenClaw.

In 2026, Chromebooks are widely used in education, enterprise, and as lightweight productivity machines. If you have a Chromebook and want to run your own AI assistant without buying extra hardware, this guide is for you. The entire setup takes about 15-20 minutes and doesn't require any special technical knowledge.

Why Chromebook + OpenClaw is a Great Combo

✅ Chromebooks have excellent battery life (8-12 hours) for long AI sessions
✅ Built-in Linux environment — no dual boot needed
✅ Lightweight OS means more RAM available for Node.js
✅ Most Chromebooks are ARM or x86 — both work with OpenClaw
✅ Affordable hardware: Chromebooks start at $200 vs $1000+ for MacBook

Chromebook Requirements

ChromeOS 80+

Minimum Version

4 GB+

RAM Needed

10 GB+

Storage for Linux

2019+

Model Year

Supported Chromebook Models

• ASUS Chromebook Plus / CX series
• HP Chromebook x360 / Elite
• Acer Chromebook Spin / Plus
• Lenovo IdeaPad Duet / ThinkBook
• Google Pixelbook Go / Pixel Slate
• Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2/4

Check Linux Support First

Not all Chromebooks support Linux apps. Check your model at chromeos.dev/en/linux or go to Settings → About ChromeOS → Check for Linux. If you see "Linux development environment", you're good to go.

Step 1: Enable ChromeOS Linux Environment

1
Click the clock/system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen
2
Click the gear icon (Settings) → scroll down to "Developers"
3
Click "Linux development environment" → click "Turn On"
4
Set disk size to at least 10 GB — click "Install" and wait 5-10 minutes for setup
5
A Terminal window will open automatically when setup is complete

💡 Tip: Allocate Enough Disk Space

OpenClaw and its Node.js dependencies can take 2-3 GB. Allocate at least 10 GB to the Linux container. You can always expand this later in Settings → Developers → Linux → Disk size.

Step 2: Install Node.js 22 on ChromeOS Linux

The default Debian packages in Crostini may have an older Node.js version. We'll use NodeSource to get Node.js 22 (required by OpenClaw):

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_22.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
node --version
npm --version

You should see v22.x.x for Node.js and 10.x.x for npm. If so, you're ready for the next step.

Step 3: Install OpenClaw

With Node.js ready, install OpenClaw using the official installation script:

curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash

The installer will download OpenClaw and its dependencies. This may take 3-5 minutes depending on your internet speed. After installation:

openclaw --version
openclaw onboard

The Onboarding Wizard

The openclaw onboard command walks you through: choosing your AI model (Claude/GPT-4/Gemini), entering your API key, setting your agent's name and persona, and connecting a messaging platform (Telegram is easiest for Chromebook users).

Step 4: Connect Telegram and Test Your Agent

Create a Telegram Bot Token

1. Open Telegram web or app → search @BotFather
2. Send /newbot → choose a name and username for your AI
3. Copy the bot token (format: 1234567890:ABCdefGHI...)
4. Paste it when OpenClaw's onboarding asks for your Telegram token

Start OpenClaw and Send a Test Message

openclaw start

Open Telegram, find your bot, and send: Hello! What can you do? — you should get a response listing OpenClaw's capabilities.

Step 5: Run OpenClaw as a Background Service

To keep OpenClaw running even when the Terminal is closed, install PM2 (a Node.js process manager):

npm install -g pm2
pm2 start $(which openclaw) --name openclaw -- start
pm2 save
pm2 startup

Run the command output by pm2 startup with sudo (it will look like sudo env PATH=... pm2 startup systemd ...). This makes OpenClaw start automatically when your Chromebook boots.

1000Mbps

With VPN07

<2s

Response Time

99.9%

Uptime with PM2

15min

Total Setup Time

Chromebook-Specific Issues & Fixes

Linux option missing in Settings

Cause: Chromebook is managed by school/enterprise policy or model doesn't support Linux.
Fix: Check if your device is in "managed" mode at the bottom of the login screen. If managed, ask your IT admin. Otherwise, check EOL date at chromeos.google.com/device-support — devices past EOL won't receive updates or Linux support.

OpenClaw stops when Chromebook lid closes

Cause: ChromeOS suspends the Linux container when the device sleeps.
Fix: Go to Settings → Device → Power → When lid is closed: Keep display on. Alternatively, use a Chromebook with "Tablet mode" to keep running while charging.

Slow API responses / Connection timeouts

Cause: School/office network blocks AI API endpoints, or ISP throttles connections.
Fix: Install VPN07 — available as a Chrome extension from the VPN07 website, it routes all Linux container traffic through 1000Mbps dedicated servers, bypassing any network restrictions instantly.

npm install fails with "ENOSPC"

Cause: Linux container is running out of allocated disk space.
Fix: Settings → Developers → Linux → Disk size → increase to 15-20 GB. Then run npm cache clean --force and try again.

Pro Tips for Chromebook OpenClaw Users

📌 Pin the Terminal to Shelf

Right-click the Terminal icon → "Pin to shelf" for quick access. You can check OpenClaw logs and status without searching through app drawer.

🔌 USB-C Power for 24/7 Operation

If using Chromebook as a home server, keep it plugged into USB-C power and set the lid closure policy to "Keep running" for non-stop OpenClaw operation.

🌐 VPN07 Chrome Extension

Install VPN07's Chrome extension to protect all traffic on your Chromebook. The Linux container traffic also routes through VPN07 when the extension is active, ensuring OpenClaw's API calls are never blocked.

📂 Access Files Cross-Platform

ChromeOS automatically mounts your Linux files under "Linux files" in the Files app. You can drag and drop files into your OpenClaw's working directory directly from the Chrome interface.

Unlock Full OpenClaw Performance with VPN07

1000Mbps dedicated channels — zero throttling for AI API calls

Chromebook school and office networks often block or throttle connections to AI APIs. VPN07 solves this instantly — our 1000Mbps dedicated servers in 70+ countries ensure your OpenClaw agent communicates with Claude, GPT-4, and Gemini without restriction. Available as a Chrome extension and Linux app, VPN07 integrates seamlessly into ChromeOS. At just $1.5/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's a must-have for serious Chromebook OpenClaw users.

$1.5

Per Month